Resentment resulting from the fact that Italian Jews in the military classes of 1920 to 1924 have been excluded from the order calling up those classes today brought a statement by Mario Palermo, Under-Secretary of War, given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, explaining the action.
Emphasizing that for military reasons the authorities have called up so far only men who had previous military service, the Under-Secretary of War said: “Under Mussolini’s foolish racial policy of 1938 no Jews born in 1920 and after were taken into the army. Therefore, we have been compelled to delay the induction of untrained Jews in five classes until we begin the general drafting of raw recruits. On February 10, however, we will begin calling the class of 1925, and along with them will be summoned Jews in the classes of 1920 to 1924 who have been passed over.”
The JTA correspondent asked a young Italian Jew today what was his reaction to this policy. He replied: “I understand the policy because I insisted on finding out why I won’t called, but most people don’t and think it is the same old story of making special rules for Jews. Instead of simply calling up all who have had previous military service, the Government revives interest in the old Fascist law. It is just another case of insensitivity and bureaucracy.”
CHIEF RABBI OF ROME RESIGNING; RABBINICAL COLLEGE REOPENING THIS WEEK
Prof, Israel Zolli is resigning this week as Chief Rabbi of Rome, it was learned today by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He has filled that post since 1938. shortly before the introduction of anti-Jewish laws in Italy. During the German occupation he was forced to go into hiding in order to escape deportation. It is understood that he is resigning because of poor health.
Prof. Zolli will become the director of the Rabbinical College which is reopening this week. The institution was closed down by the Mussolini Government. Meanwhile, leaders of the Jewish community are going ahead with plans to establish a seminary to train teachers for Jewish schools.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.